2026-07-12

Saugerties Stallions Erupt for 16 Unanswered Runs to Stun Utica Blue Sox

The Saugerties Stallions overcame a six-run first-inning deficit with an explosive offensive outburst, scoring 16 unanswered runs to defeat the Utica Blue Sox 16-6 on Thursday night at Cantine Field. Saugerties, trailing 6-0 after the top of the first, stormed back behind a relentless attack at the plate and a shutdown bullpen to claim the PGCBL victory.

After a disastrous opening frame in which Saugerties starter Riley Hofrichter struggled with command, issuing six walks and allowing six runs, the Stallions’ bullpen and bats took control. Nicholas Ballard, Caleb Swart, and Jake O'Connor combined for 6.1 shutout innings, while the Saugerties offense methodically chipped away and then surged ahead with multi-run innings in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh.

Utica Jumps Ahead Early

Utica wasted no time putting pressure on Saugerties, sending 11 batters to the plate in the first inning. The Blue Sox capitalized on Hofrichter’s wildness, drawing four consecutive bases-loaded walks from Ian Wirtz, RJ Thomae, and Conor McCartney to plate three runs. Boden Fernsler followed with a two-run single, and Michael Flashner added an RBI single to cap the six-run frame.

Despite the early outburst, Utica’s offense would be held scoreless the rest of the way, managing just five hits after the first inning.

Stallions Begin the Comeback

Saugerties was held in check through the first three innings by Utica starter Johnny Amato, but broke through in the fourth. Magnus Krieger sparked the rally with a two-run double to right, scoring Nick Croce and Anthony Depetro. Jayden Hamilton followed with an RBI single, and Michael Lebenson’s sacrifice fly brought home Krieger to cut the deficit to 6-4.

The Stallions kept the momentum going in the fifth. Krieger delivered again, singling to left to drive in two runs and tie the game at 6-6. Michael Hanna then put Saugerties ahead for good with a two-run single to center, scoring Jayden Hamilton and Krieger. By the end of the inning, the Stallions had seized an 8-6 lead.

Offensive Onslaught Continues

Saugerties blew the game open in the sixth, sending nine batters to the plate and scoring five more runs. Anthony Depetro’s fielder’s choice plated Steven Ramirez, and Aiden Schmidt followed with an RBI single. Krieger capped his monster night with a two-run single to right, and Lebenson added another RBI single to make it 13-6.

The Stallions tacked on three more runs in the seventh. Depetro singled to score Christian Bernanardini, and Nick Croce tripled to center to drive in Depetro and Danny Surowiec, putting the finishing touches on a 16-6 rout.

Krieger Leads the Charge; Bullpen Shuts the Door

Magnus Krieger was the centerpiece of the Stallions’ offensive explosion, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and a game-high six RBIs. Aiden Schmidt also had a big night, finishing 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. Anthony Depetro reached base three times, scored four runs, and drove in two, while Nick Croce contributed two hits, two runs, and two RBIs. Michael Hanna and Michael Lebenson each added two RBIs.

After Hofrichter’s early exit, Nicholas Ballard steadied the Stallions with 3.1 innings of scoreless relief, striking out three and allowing just four hits. Caleb Swart and Jake O'Connor combined for the final three innings, yielding only two hits and no runs to shut down the Blue Sox.

Utica’s bullpen could not stem the tide after Amato’s exit, as Reece Jantzi and Cameron Kobayashi were tagged for 12 runs over the final 2.1 innings.

Game Wrap

Saugerties’ 16 unanswered runs marked a stunning turnaround after a rocky first inning. The Stallions tallied 14 hits and drew 12 walks, taking advantage of 10 free passes from the Blue Sox pitching staff. The win moves Saugerties to a strong position as the season progresses, while Utica will look to regroup after letting an early lead slip away.

Box Score Notes

  • Final Score: Saugerties Stallions 16, Utica Blue Sox 6
  • Runs/Hits/Errors: Utica 6 R, 7 H, 1 E | Saugerties 16 R, 14 H, 0 E
  • Key Hitters – Saugerties:
    • Magnus Krieger: 3-for-4, 3 R, 6 RBI, 2B
    • Aiden Schmidt: 3-for-3, 2 R, RBI
    • Anthony Depetro: 1-for-3, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB
    • Nick Croce: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 3B
    • Michael Hanna: 1-for-5, 2 RBI
    • Michael Lebenson: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, SF
  • Key Pitchers – Saugerties:
    • Nicholas Ballard: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO
    • Caleb Swart: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 SO
    • Jake O'Connor: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
  • Key Hitters – Utica:
    • Boden Fernsler: 1-for-3, 2 RBI
    • Michael Flashner: 1-for-4, RBI
    • RJ Thomae, Ian Wirtz, Conor McCartney: each with an RBI (all in 1st inning)
  • Pitching – Utica:
    • Johnny Amato: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO
    • Reece Jantzi & Cameron Kobayashi: 2.1 IP, 10 H, 12 R, 12 ER, 6 BB

Saugerties will look to carry their offensive momentum forward, while Utica aims to bounce back from a tough loss after a promising start.